The human face of research is highlighted in a documentary film and podcast series featuring three of the University’s leading academics.
Made over eight months, with filming as far afield as London and Antarctica, Water—Rapuhia, kimihia: Quest for knowledge offers an in-depth look at the work of Dr Mike Joy from the Institute for Governance and Policy Studies, Professor Tim Naish from the Antarctic Research Centre, and Professor Catherine Iorns from the Faculty of Law.
The series captures the three as they and their teams address critical water issues, from freshwater pollution to sea-level rise because of climate change.
“Research work is largely out of the public eye until findings are published,” says Magnolia Lowe, whose company, Magpie Content Creation, made the series with the support of NZ on Air and the University.
“There is little common understanding of the journey and perhaps consequently less respect for the importance of evidence-based findings. In the era of fake news and a devaluing of expert advice, now is the time to pull back the curtain to show how knowledge is built.”
With the films directed by Magnolia and podcasts produced and presented by Teresa Cowie, the three-part series captures the researchers’ personalities, their passion, the challenges and setbacks they face, alongside the euphoria of successful outcomes from their research and advocacy.
“There is little common understanding of the journey and perhaps consequently less respect for the importance of evidence-based findings. In the era of fake news and a devaluing of expert advice, now is the time to pull back the curtain to show how knowledge is built.”
Since being made available in May on the Newsroom and Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington websites, the films have been accepted into international film festivals and received award nominations.
Magnolia has a second series in development called Whenua/Land—Rapuhia, kimihia: Quest for knowledge, featuring another of the University’s academics.
